www.thejsuflash.com
INSIDE
Vol. 80 / No. 7 OPINION Police Relations page 3
NEWS
Founders’ Day/ MAB Gallery page 5
October 24, 2019
VA R I E T Y Joker Review page 7
S P O RT S
Tiger Hoops Madness page 8
Photo by: Kalin Norman Jordan Scott, student vocalist, leads the audience in the singing of the Jackson State University Alma Mater, “Jackson Fair, Jackson Dear”.
Owens urges students to show who they are during Founders’ Day Convocation Kharynton Allen MC201/Staff Yolanda R. O wens, Jackson State University alumnus and former President of the JSU National Alumni Association, urged students to show the world who they are during an enthralling Founders’ Day address. The 142nd Founders’ Day C onvocation took place on Oct. 17, 2019 in the Rose E. McC oy Auditorium. Hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, and community supporters packed the auditorium to honor the rich histor y, sustainability and success of the once seminar y which has transformed into the Carnegie-designated high research university it is today. Originally a private church school in Natchez, Miss., the university has grown to ser vice over 7,500 students from countries all around the world. Reverend Henr y P. Jacobs, M.D. founded Natchez S eminar y on Oct. 23, 1877. O wens was introduced
by her 7th grade niece, Carmen O wens. The future Tiger was given a standing ovation by the audience. O wens, the keynote speaker, gave the audience a relatable alliteration to the blockbuster movie “Black Panther”. O wens references the moment in the movie when the would be king is in a fight for the throne with a challenger and his mother, played by actress Angela Bassett, shouts out for him to “show him who you are!” Throughout her speech, O wens urged the Jacksonians to look at the positives of the university that has perser veered during various times of negativity and hardships in the histor y of the institution when many thought they would not sur vive. “We have seen folks and forces come out of the cave tr ying to challenge us for the throne and throughout our histor y we have continued to show them who we are, but before we show them who we are we must first know who we are,” said O wens. O wens often gave inspirational
encouragement to the constituents of the University during their current struggles with enrollment and budget issues. “We have all the tools we need, and we are fully equipped to take our rightful place in the kingdom of higher education, but in order to do that we must f irst connect with our ancestors, with our founders, with our elders,” she stated. Sieara DeLone, a junior English major f rom Los Angeles, Calif., said that this par t of the speech really resonated with her. “One thing that I wrote down that really stuck out was that we should celebrate our successes, and tune out the distractions and negativity, and strive for excellence,” said DeLone. O wens stated that once a person understands the richness of their histor y and understands that they come f rom greatness, they can do so much more. “I think it’s impor tant for us as faculty, staff, a university, leaders, alumni, and students to
always know who we are and know our histor y,” said O wens. “We have to always operate in excellence and we have to then know that greatness lies within us. And when we take the time and do all of those things then we’ ll be able to show them who we are.” At the end of the ceremony, President Bynum gave presentations and remarks on the impor tance of Founders’ Day. “A day like today is so impor tant because it’s impor tant that we understand our foundation and what our roots are,” President Bynum said. The words of O wens and the importance of knowing histor y not only touched Jackson State’s 11th President, but also other students that were in attendance. Jasmine Thomas, a graduate student from Atlanta, Ga. stated, “We have to constantly be reminded of who we are as we step into rooms and constantly affirm that our University is a great University. We come from a great place and we are not just any other school;
YES, WE’RE SOCIAL!
there is something special about JSU.” Mister JSU, Grant Broadway, a senior biology/pre-pharmacy major from Little Rock, Ark., expressed why he believes Founders’ Day is important. “It is ver y important for students to know where and what they come from,” Broadway said. “ They should take pride in what they’re doing. Knowing their histor y should give them more of a reason to go after their degree, make an impact, and inspire the next generation.” The convocation ended with the B ell Ringing C eremony which included the C entennial B ell Litany recited by Professor Hilliard L ackey, Ph.D., at the bell tower in front of Ayer Hall followed by a reception in the JSU Student C enter Ballroom. The bell was rang by SGA President, Jordan Jefferson, and with intermittant chants from the crowd to, “Ring that bell!” THAT BELL!” Kennedy Guillor y contributed to this ar ticle.
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Opinion
Page 3 - October 24, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
Cartoon by Ivory Lowe
A Young Brother Got It Bad Because I’m Brown - NWA 1988 COMMENTARY
Darrius Barron Managing Editor Do not walk like a thug, do not grow your hair out and let it “nap” up, do not speak with too much expression, do not talk back, and the last thing you should never dream
about doing is harming a police officer. These are things that not only our family, but America has told the young black men across America. As I listen to Kendrick Lamar ’s “To Pimp A Butterfly”, I am unfortunately reminded about some of the tragic situations that inspired tracks like “Alright”; which touched on police brutality. Black oppression is far from a new topic in America, neither is the violence that comes with it. What is new however, is the way we are able to see these things happen with our own eyes. Because of social media and smart phones, people are able to see the footage of almost every wrongful police shooting; and sadly, the AfricanAmerican demographic is seemingly the go-to population for police brutality. Whether you want to
believe the narrative of blacks being kidnapped, or the one about us being sold into slavery, one fact rings true in every instance; we have been either running or fighting since we stepped off of those boats. My ancestors brainstormed ways to escape the plantation, my grandparents brainstormed ways to fight segregation, and now my generation is brainstorming ways to end police brutality. Black Lives Matter tried the marching and public protests, and with all due respect to their methods, we have to come stronger in the fight for justice. I ask, how can police strengthen their relationship with the black community? My answer is; they cannot mend a relationship with the way things are now. The aforementioned advice that America has
given young black youth is proof that we are capable of policing ourselves. African-Americans police ourselves everywhere we go, with the fear of being brutalized by an authority figure lurking deep in our subconscious. In order to strengthen the relation ship with the black community, black people must become that of which we do not trust. Although this answer seems a bit simple, and straight forward, with more blacks in the police force, we will be able to police our own communities. The theory behind this thought is that America loves black culture, but not black people. Loving the culture but declaring war on its people is proof that they do not care to learn who we are. The Black Panthers proved that we can establish great programs to help the underprivileged, and police our community
effectively. When songs like “F*** the Police” can be released in 1988, and the actions that sparked the staggering lyrics are still popular in this country; it is evident that the policing strategy does not care to change. Although our problems with the police have proven to be fatal, we must also look to better ourselves so that we can better our communities for each other. We have to adopt the ways of old when the entire community helped raise the children so that they can become upstanding adults. If we can show the younger generations a better, healthier way to live, then we will have an outstanding police force with a high percentage of African-Americans. The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.
“What are ways the relationship between African-Americans and police can be strengthened?” Compiled by: Kharynton Allen
Jayewon Hill Sophomore Environmental Science Mobile, Ala. “Stop killing us! Their guns should not be their primary choice of weapon when it comes to subduing AfricanAmericans.”
Jean-Paul Willard Sophomore Biology/Pre Med New Orleans, La. “They should be more understanding.”
Destiny Sears Sophomore Early Childhood Educ. Memphis, Tenn. “At this point, there’s nothing they can do. Black people no longer trust them. Trust is hard to build but easy to break. It’s broken.”
Diara Jackson Junior Forensic Chemistry New Orleans, La.
Tekaira Blade Junior Political Science Los Angeles, Calif.
Ly’John Denis Sophomore Psychology New Orleans, La.
Shirley Baldwin Sophomore Biology/Pre-Med Richton Park, Ill.
“There is no way to repair the relationship between cops and the black community. The trust has been broken beyond repair.”
“I believe they should become familiar with the area they work in and the struggles with the community to better patrol the area.”
“They should also be more active in the community and hold all officers with the same accountability as the public.”
“By actually being on our side instead of trying to put on this act for the white man.”
DeVeonte Overton Sophomore Speech Comm. Chattanooga, Tenn.
Jonathan Lobbins Sophomore Music Technology Memphis, Tenn.
Otis Chisley, Jr. Senior Business Management Monroe, La.
Dwan Jackson Sophomore Biology/ Pre Vet Iberia, La.
David Bernard Sophomore Political Science Jackson, Miss.
“Be more understanding of where black folks come from and try to see things from their perspective.”
“The police could start becoming more involved with the black community, as a way of getting to know us.”
“Provide confidence of a job well done, when it comes to the black community trusting the police.”
“By actually trying to help us out, and trying to get to know how the black community operates.”
“By showing more compassion and showing more commitment to keeping the peace.”
News
Page 4 - October 24, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
MAB interacts with future multimedia journalists Special to the Flash Students in the Journalism and Media Studies Department were urged to have good work ethics, develop their natural talent and be coachable as they step into the work world of broadcast media. Last week (Oct.15), as part of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters @ JSU Job Fair, professional broadcasters from Mississippi radio and television stations talked to and interviewed students in media production and multimedia journalism and gave them advice and feedback on their broadcast career aspirations. Tim Walker, General Manager at WTOK in Meridian, urged students to consider getting their professional start at the small market, community-minded stations in Mississippi. Walker, who has 46 years of experience in the broadcast business, said his station, which is the second oldest in the state, takes pride in giving young people a start. “Small markets like you have in Mississippi are places where people can get in and learn by trial and error. We get the opportunity to shape their early years and they get to move on to do great things,” said Walker. Galean Stewart James, who chronicled her various producer positions at a local station before becoming News Director at WDAM in Hattiesburg, told students that their career dreams are possible. “As one of many people who continues to dream, I tell you that whatever you put your mind to and be willing to learn and be coachable, that you too can accomplish whatever
dream you set forth,” James said. Dr. Elayne H. Anthony, chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies said: “It was a pleasure to see so many professionals from around the state of Mississippi at the MAB Job Fair. Students in the department were introduced to them and then given one-on-one sessions with all professionals in attendance.” Anthony, who is Secretary/ Treasurer and the only educator on the MAB Board of Directors, added: “Students were able to discuss job opportunities and internships with general managers, owners, and news directors. It was a great day in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.” FOX40 Vice President/ General Manager, Ramona Alexander, shared that the number of people of color who are general managers in this country is small. “At last count, there were three African American women who are general managers in the country,” according to Alexander. “I’m from Jackson and I sit before you and I can tell you anything you want to do is possible if you’re willing to put forth the energy, listen and be willing to be mentored,” stated Alexander. Mike Neelly, General Manager at WAPT-TV in Jackson, told students considering a career in the media to find their passion and to do their best at every job. He said his station is committed to serving the community and fulfilling the First Amendment. Along with their natural talent, Neely stressed that work ethic and coach ability would be necessary to succeed in the industry. He added: “Always do the best you
Photo by Sylvia Watley Leonard Moore, a senior multimedia journalism student in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, interviews with Charley Jones, Assistant News Director at WLBT.
can in everything you do and I guarantee good things will come to you.” In addition to Alexander, Stewart, Neelly and Walker, the panel of professionals included: Derek Rogers, General Manager WCBI, Columbus; Jerry Jones, General Manager, WTVA, Tupelo; Eric Head, Director of Engineering, WAPT, Jackson; Charley Jones, Assistant News Director, WLBT/WDBD; and Torrez Harris, On-Air Anchor, iHeart Media (95.5). MAB Executive Director Amanda Fontaine also was on hand and she believes the event was a great opportunity for Mississippi broadcast professionals to meet
students and recruit them for job openings at their stations. Her advice to students was to be professional, have questions ready to ask, and know the stations they may be interested in working for. Students like Kharynton Allen, a multimedia journalism major from Kirkwood, Mo., took advantage for the opportunity to interact with the broadcast professionals. “The MAB event at the Mississippi E-Center was very informative. It was a great experience to network and I look forward to what will happen in the future. I got a chance to speak with (Mr. Harris), the representative from iHeart Media and it turns out we went to the same high school,” she stated.
The Mississippi Association of Broadcasters is one of the nation’s leading state broadcast associations. With 100 percent of Mississippi TV stations, and 85 percent of Mississippi radio stations as members, the MAB represents the Mississippi broadcast industry in Washington and at the state and local levels, and has been representing and serving Mississippi radio and television since 1941. MAB serves as a catalyst on national and state issues, in matters affecting the broadcasting industry through a close working relationship with state and federal legislators, the FCC, and other important parties.
Speaker proclaims confidence as a great leadership characteristic
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Ry’N Good MC201/Staff Writer At Jackson State University’s annual Leadership Symposium, students gathered inside of the Student Center Ballroom on Oct. 16 to obtain advice on how to be an effective leader. Logan Rena, professional speaker, self-love coach and
author, led the symposium for the night. She encouraged all leaders in attendance to embody confidence and how to be prepared to take the world by storm. Rena stood firmly on knowing who you are, elaborating that if you do not discover who you are personally, you will not be happy in anything you do. She shared a list of words that she reads every
day and had the students stand up to read each word aloud; she even shouted out several podcast and books that she listens to and reads daily. In an effort to help students become more comfortable with meeting new people, Rena came with three exercises that required the attendees to move around and find a stranger. The objective was for students to learn a new
characteristic about themselves. Briana Henderson, a junior business major from Byram, Miss., feels that self-awareness is an essential feature that she learned is essential to having. “I learned that in order to be great you have to know yourself. The best thing you can do before you leave campus is know who you are. I will learn who I am before I leave this campus, so I
can be successful in my career. I left with the upmost confidence,” said Henderson. Rena also spoke about the importance of surrounding yourself with positive and likeminded people. “Having people who are in different majors or different careers in your circle keeps you extremely open minded and has you always learning something new. It keeps you in a growth mindset and will always have you striving to do better, which refers back to those exercises mentioned earlier,” said Rena. Gloria Brown, a junior biology major from Jackson, Miss., said the event was a great way to self-reflect. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned from this event was that it is very essential to learn self before anything else. I felt that I left with a sense of wanting to do greater for myself and my community. I feel that was an eye opener and that I needed to do better,” said Brown. Brown continued, “My thoughts during the whole thing was that I am going to make a difference but the question, ‘What in?’ still stands. I can make money off my passion I just have to narrow it down to what is my true passion. JSU should definitely have these more.”
Jackson State University Global hosts Study Abroad Fair Rielly Pulliam MC201/Staff Writer Get ready to take flight because Jackson State University is offering students a chance to study abroad. JSU Global hosted their Study Abroad and Passport Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 15 to inform students how they can study and intern overseas. CEA, which stands for Cultural Experiences Abroad, is a company that provides study abroad and works directly with the Jackson State study abroad office. CEA and the Peace Corps had multiple representatives at the event to inform students of some of the opportunities they offered. CEA is an organization housed in Europe, Asia and South America as well. The cost of studying abroad with CEA mainly depends on the location, but their summer options are less expensive because they are shorter dates. Imani Thomas, a senior biology pre-med major from Atlanta, GA said she was able to obtain a lot from the event. “After coming to this event, I am
relieved because I have been thinking about studying abroad for some time, but I didn’t know there were scholarships available.” Thomas continued, “I am looking forward to working with the Jackson State study abroad office and seeing what scholarships I can get so that I will be able to study abroad.” Matthew Borlik, the partnership coordinator for CEA, explained the application process for and how students can receive discounted prices and scholarships. “For all of our internships, students have their initial interview with the CEA and we gage their interest and see what kind of skills they wish to develop when they graduate. After that, the student will have an interview with our onsite staff and then an interview with the company the applied for,” said Borlik. Students can also take either a semester part time or a full-time summer and the courses will apply to their major. On the other hand, The Peace Corps is an international agency who is looking forindividualstoinvestfor27months.
Those who join the Peace Corp will be able to take their degree and work overseas for two years in education or with any other options they would want to do in their career. Demarcus Avery, a sophomore political science major from Memphis, Tenn. said,” I have always heard about the Peace Corps and this event helped me get more information about what they do.” Avery continued, “After talking with the recruiter, I am very interested in working with them because I am unsure of what I can do with my degree and I think they can help me figure it out.” Peace Corps has six different sectors that help applicants find a program that fits within their degree. If students are unable to find a program that correlates with their area of interest, they are still able to leverage their degree by working with the Peace Corps. “If a student that is about to graduate reaches that point where they are unsure about what they want to do, this is an awesome opportunity to figure out how to leverage their
JSU Global Instagram Students receive information during Study Abroad Fair.
degree and how to effect a different community,” said Natalie Felton, recruiter for the Peace Corps. “Many students take this opportunity to decide what they want to do after they experience this and it also is a great break for two years. Plus, also looks really good on your resume, stated Felton. Third party vendors were not the only organizations in attendance scouting students for summer abroad opportunities. University entities like
the music department was also there to inform students. The music department is offering music appreciation classes for 14 days in China. The program will take place May 8-22, 2022. Students will receive six credit hours for music appreciation as well as World Music Culture. The trip is hosted by JSU’s partner university, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, located in Zhenjiang.
The Blue & White Flash
Page 5 - October 24, 2019
Founders’Day and MAB
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Photos 1-3 by Kalin Norman Photo 4 by Sylvia Watley
1-3) The 142nd Founders’ Day Convocation. 4) Mario Nichols, Junior IMC student, interviews with iHeart Media during the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters event at the eCenter.
Variety
Page 6 - October 24, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
Girl promotes feminism during event dedicated to all things female Kayla Sims Staff Writer Feminism, colorism and sexism are words that have all been making its way into the mainstream media and unto Jackson State University’s campus within the last five years. Founded on Nov. 15, 2015 on the campus of Jackson State. GIRL is an organization that combats social issues and inequalities that black women face on a day to day basis. The acronym stands for gathering information related to ladies. Over the past week, GIRL hosted its third annual GIRL week which was themed after Megan Thee Stallion’s “Fever” album. The week was filled with laughter, joy and information for the betterment of men, women and college students. Monday kicked off with “Cash Shh”, a forum held to increase financial literacy in college students. The guest speakers spoke about the importance of budgeting and building credit as a young adult. Jasmine Jones, a junior accounting major from Drew, Miss., spoke about the importance of budgeting and the impact the forum had on her. “My first few years at Jackson State was hard because I blew through money, it wasn’t until last semester when I realized that
Photo by Kayla Sims Newly crowned GIRL queen Janaya Rice smiles with Mr. Intersectionality at the organization’s pageant.
every dollar counted and that having a weekly budget would be crucial to my financial success,” Jones said. Tuesday began with “Simon Says” giving the students a chance to dive deeper into themselves and their peers. The girls were asked to write a series of agree or disagree questions anonymously and afterwards, they came together and split the room into two sections, right being agree and left being disagree. Wednesday, was the “Hot Boy Pageant” and GIRL crowned
Mr.Intersectionality and Miss GIRL for the 2019-2020 academic school year. The contestants were Joshua Pagan, Ishmaiah Graham, and Rodney Hill Jr., which are all students of Jackson State University. During the pageant, the boys were asked a series of questions surrounding feminism, womanism and intersectionality. They also had a chance to show off their talent, personality and best looks in swimwear and formalwear.
The winner of the pageant was contestant Rodney Hill Jr., a senior management major from Little Rock, Ark. “I am thankful for the opportunity and being able to make this happen, I am glad to be the very first Mr. Intersectionality and I am looking forward to caring this title and putting in work for the remainder of the school year,” said Hill Janaya Rice, a junior Mass Communication major from Chicago, Ill. was crowned Miss GIRL, she spoke about the
position. “I am blessed to hold this position because I know what it means, so far things have been coming along and I am excited to see what is in store for GIRL,” said Rice. Thursday the roles were reversed with “Shake That,” the boys had a chance to walk a mile in the girls heels on the plaza. The week finally ended with “Drive The Boat to Success,” where members of GIRL passed out encouraging messages to people on the plaza. Rico Lewis, a freshman civil engineering major from Oakland Calif., talked about the impact the message had on him. “I have been having a bad week overall and this was the encouragement I needed to continue on with school for the rest of the semester. I wish more organizations did this because that would have a lasting impact on people,” said Lewis Taylor Foster, a senior education major from Denver, Colorado and President of GIRL explained the importance of this week. “This week was a really big for GIRL and I am thankful for the people who helped put it together because everything came out better than I could’ve ever expected,” said Foster. GIRL is not only a means for peer networking, but it is also an organization that places community first.
Ne w J o k e r m o v ie g i v e s a l t e r na t i v e t w i s t t o o rig in a l st o ry Kalin Norman Photography Editor After years of seeing how superheroes on the big screen become the characters, we all know and love, it’s finally the villain’s turn to tell their story. Next up to bat is the Clown Prince of Crime himself, the Joker. However, this time, unlike some of the supervillain movies before it, Joker is not your average comic book movie in anyway audiences have seen before. So different in fact that it has people leaving the theater saying “Why so serious?!” First things first, if you are going in to the movie expecting a “Dark Knight” Joker with nonstop action, and see what a serial mass murder clowns does best. This is not the movie for you. This movie puts us in the shoes of the Joker, who’s real name is Arthur Fleck, in a very real Gotham City and asks the question “If real, what makes a person become the Joker?” That is not saying there isn’t any action in this movie, but it is definitely not the main focus. Instead, the movie shows what it’s like to be a mentally ill person and
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forgotten by society. This is where the movie shines the most. This movie does what most films of its kind does best, and that is holding a mirror up to its viewers. Then asks “Who are you in this world?” The movie honestly shows Arthur being treated less than a human everyday
by not only strangers, but family and friends. Another thing the movie does extremely well is keeping the viewers guessing and blurring the lines between what is and isn’t real. Staying true to one of the comic book Joker’s most famous lines, “If I’m going to have a past, I prefer
it to be multiple choice!” The movie is very smart by doing this, because by the end you will be cheering in suspense by the time the climax comes around for Arthur. Speaking of the climax, it does take a while for the movie to get there. “Joker” is roughly two
hours in runtime but feels longer due to the extremely heavy subject matter and the slow burn method the director chooses to tell the story. Although telling the story in this way is extremely important for plot, I did become a bit anxious towards the third act. Although the last act of the movie does deliver on the promise the trailers made, it is the only time viewers actually see the Arthur be the Joker. Which, by the way, are senses that can easily scare or gross out people that are not expecting a killer clown to be a killer clown. Todd Phillips’ “Joker” is an amazing movie that everyone should see at least once. It treats its audience as adults, asks questions and making statements that not only do the characters have to answer but its viewers. This movie successfully does what “Iron Man” did ten years ago, by challenging what a comic book movie can be. “Joker” is worth every dollar that you pay at the theater and even a copy on dvd. “Joker” sits at $93.5 million for its opening weekend.
City Girl’s JT drops single after release from prison Jordon Canada Staff Writer Fellow member of the female rap group City Girls, Jatavia Johnson, better known as “JT”, was officially released from prison on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019. Johnson was set to serve a two-year sentence after turning herself in July of 2018 on multiple charges of credit card fraud. JT’s release from prison was greatly anticipated by her fans, and her music partner Caresha Brownlee better known as Yung Miami. Keyaundra Wynn, a junior biology pre physical therapy major from Jackson, Miss., and a follower of the City Girls music said, “I am so relieved now that JT is being released so the City Girls can pick up where they left off, at number one.” In true rapper fashion, Johnson did exactly that by releasing a “first day out song” entitled, “JT’s First Day Out.” Pierre “P” Thomas who is the head of the label Quality
Control, in which the rapper is signed to, was interviewed by TMZ. During the interview, Thomas said, “JT is all work no play right now, she got out of prison and got straight on the studio bus and did her song before she even gave her momma a hug. She’s focused.” The song began with a phone conversation between Johnson and Thomas in which Thomas expresses how he is ready for her to return home from prison. JT showed gratitude to him by saying, “I remember when you first went off on us about doing music and we turned around and made two whole albums. You done turned two hood rats into superstars.” The track which is produced by Twisted Genius had a Meek Mill’s Dreams and Nightmares vibe, where it started with a slow emotional pace, then after the beat drops, the pace picked up and she added aggression. During the song, JT assured listeners of three things: She does not have love for you guys, she is not Barney; if
anyone plays with Yung Miami it will be a cold case; and if anyone tries her, she will be back in khakis and blue shoes. The Act-Up rapper also dispelled rumors that began to circulate earlier in the year of her being impregnated by a correction officer saying, “How yall gone say a made b***h was pregnant from a CO. I don’t mess with cops or blockers; y’all b***hes slow.” Destiny Harris a public health graduate student from Memphis Tenn., who is a fan of the City Girls said, “I’m glad we can finally say JT free instead of free JT. I love how she got out of jail and got straight into the booth, and her first day out song is just the beginning of what’s in store for the City Girls. JT did more than just drop a song after being released from prison. The superstar rapper took to twitter to give women a little advice saying, “I was locked up with so many women who were in prison because they kept it real with men, and those men did not
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keep it real with them! I want you all to know whatever you do, don’t let a man influence you in the moment of love. If he loves you, he wouldn’t put you in those situations, period!” Jackson State student Christopher Jones, a junior physical education major
from Hazlehurst, Miss., talked about his point of view of JT’s tweet. “I agree with her tweet because of how society is today with the perception of ‘holding it down’. I feel as if a woman is playing her part in a mutual relationship, then males should do the same, said Jones.
Page 7 - October 24, 2019
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Sports
Page 8 - October 24, 2019
The Blue & White Flash
Basketball teams host Tiger Hoops Madness
Wakil Atig Sports Editor
On Oct.17, Jackson State University hosted the 2019 Tiger Hoops Madness. The event was held in the Athletic Assembly Center as students, fans, and alumni all were in attendance to meet the men’s and women’s basketball team. Both teams held a meet and greet session with fans as they got an opportunity to get a picture and poster signed by their favorite Tiger. Fans also got the opportunity to compete in some thrilling activities for prizes. First was a performance by JSUs Dance Ensemble. The group has been making their presence felt this semester with their electrifying performances. Following their performance was a performance by the cheerleaders of Jackson State. These ladies provide nothing less than excitement with their acrobatic routines every time they perform. Next was the introduction of the players from both teams. Among those players were Jayveous Mckinnis, Marneisha Hammer and Kaisha Lucky who were all named Preseason AllSWAC in the conference. The coaches for both teams arrived in style as they were escorted through the garage entrance by the Jackson Police Department in a stunning black 2018 Chevy Corvette. Men’s head coach, Wayne Brent is excited for what the
season holds for the team and has high hopes for the gentlemen. “I believe this season with our new recruiting class along with the returning players, we can make a strong impact in the SWAC. Our guys have been putting in the work all offseason and we can’t wait to kick the season off with a strong start season,” said coach Brent. Women’s head coach, Tomekia Reed was also ecstatic to start the season and believes that last season was a learning experience for the ladies. “We had a great year last season although we came up short in the SWAC championship game. I’m so excited this season for what’s in store for our team and I have absolute faith that we will be successful this season,” said coach Reed. Both teams showcased to the crowd a sample of their offensive arsenal during a full court scrimmage. It was clear to all in attendance that Tiger basketball was back in full swing and not be taken lightly this season. Samaria Manning, a sophomore biology major from Little Rock, Ark., is eager to see what the men’s and women’s basketball team can do this season. “Last year the women’s team did a good job although they didn’t win the SWAC. I still believe they were the best team in the conference last year. I hope they can pick up from where they left off and continue their dominance. The men’s
Photo by Dekyra Dennis Players sign posters for JSU basketball fans.
team I feel like this year should be better. The main problem they had last year was making free throws and rebounding the ball. If they can make those adjustments this season, they should be fine,” said Manning.
Shakena Thomas, a sophomore biology major from Horn Lake, Miss., believes the Tigers will excel this season. “I just feel like our school has been battling to win for so long that we will do so this
season on the highest level as the decade ends. Jackson State has some talented players that possess a lot of skills and I’m hopeful they can mesh together to have a successful season,” said Thomas.
Lady Tigers finish strong prior to hosting SWAC Roundup Dekyra Dennis MC301 Contributor After a tough conference loss to Alabama A&M early last week, the Lady Tigers of Jackson State, rallied back sweeping Mississippi Valley State 3-0. Jackson State is now 7-2 in SWAC play and still on the hunt for a SWAC Championship title. The Lady Tigers dominated the first set scoring quickly with 14 total kills and a hitting percentage of .344. The second set was much more challenging for the Lady Tigers as they edged a 25-21 win, leading the series 2-0. “I honestly feel like the second set came at us by surprise, especially since we got through the first one very easily. Once they started getting a lead, we shut down a little bit and began to get frustrated. We weren’t sure what to do because it was so unexpected. But we were able to pull through and pick it up the next set,” said Talia Gaines, a freshman social work major from Daytona Beach, Fla. JSU finished strong in the
Photo by Dekyra Dennis Players wait for ball to come over the net after the serve.
third set racking up another 14 kills, deflating an already stunned MVSU squad, with a 25-17 victory. The MVSU Devilettes had no answer for the strong offensive strike of Taila Gaines who earned a team high of 10
kills on 19 attempts and Camry Dabney who followed with 9 kills. One of the team captains, Camry Dabney, a healthcare administration major from Houston, TX stated, “the key points to our win were
keeping MVSU out of synch so they weren’t able to run the offense they wanted. Our team goal was to focus on what was happening on our side of the net, running our middles, and executing our offense.” Freshmen Alana
Washington and Jylen Whitten also added 12 digs each to round out a strong overall team performance. With nine new players, eight freshmen and one transfer junior, the Lady Tigers have made many changes to their lineup this season trying to find the best fit for each match. These new additions have also brought depth, versatility, and leadership to a JSU team who ended SWAC play 9-9 last year. Already halfway through the season, and the Lady Tigers have secured more wins than all of last year. No one is content though, as coaches continue to challenge the girls to work hard, work together, and be consistent. After a seven-day lay off, the Lady Tigers will host the SWAC Roundup on Oct. 25-27 and all the games will be played at the Jackson Convention Complex located in downtown Jackson. The Lady Tigers take on Grambling State Friday, Oct. 25 at 12:30 p.m. and Prairie View A&M University at 5:30 p.m. Volleyball action continues on Saturday as JSU hosts Texas Southern University at 3 p.m.
NBA phenom Zion Williamson is ready for the next level
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James Cooley Staff Writer Zion Williamson has been a sensation all through high school and it continued through his college career at Duke University. It was no question that Williamson would be in the NBA one day, but the question was could he be as consistent at the professional stage.
Williamson during his Duke University basketball career, under the head coaching of the legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, seemed to be unstoppable due to his speed, strength and skills. Williamson departed Duke averaging 22.6 points 8.9 rebounds 2.1 assists and also winning the 2019 Wooden award. After declaring for the NBA Draft, he was drafted
with the first pick to the New Orleans Pelicans and received a deal from Jordan for over $70 million making it the richest annual shoe deal for a rookie in NBA history. Williamson has been advertised as the next superstar in the NBA but the anticipation for his first minute in an NBA game grew more and more as the offseason was beginning to end. During the course of
preseason, Williamson averaged 23.3 points 6.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists and showed great promise. Williamson still had his intense playing style during the games and showed he could still drive with ease and score over anybody. Preseason is only a sneak peak of the NBA season and the play style of players in the regular season is way more intense then the preseason and
Williamson will experience elite style play every game he plays in. Williamson would have to show consistency and produce numbers similar to his stats during his college career to prove he is legit and live up to the expectations that have been set upon him since he gained national attention in high school. Alvin Brumfield, a biology major from Hattiesburg Miss., feels that Williamson proved he could play with professional athletes that’s on an elite level. “Zion seemed to me like he didn’t lose a step and played exactly how he played since high school.” Jordan Barrett, a physical education major from Laurel, Miss., still wanted to see more from Williamson. “He needs to develop more before he can be considered the next LeBron James but he did good in the games he played so far.” Nevaeh Pittman, an entrepreneur major from Minneapolis Minn., believes his size will eventually catch up to him. “He is really big and moving that fast and I believe if he doesn’t lose any weight his career wouldn’t be that long.”